He was raised in a small one street town called Rockville and drawing old people is his favourite thing to do. It makes him feel closer to his late paternal grandparents who raised him.
Free State artist Vuyisile Adoons (33) has been drawing since he was a child, while other kids were outside playing, he would be indoors, doing sketches of his grandparents.
Right through high school he nurtured his love for the arts and after matric he left the Free State to study in Johannesburg where he obtained a diploma in art and design.
“After college, I worked at KFC for about 11 months but even then, I did not stop drawing and painting. I used my breaks to do artwork. I knew that no matter what life had in store for me, I would one day be able to do my art as a profession and make a living from it,” he says.
He does oil painting on canvass and the most expensive artwork he has sold was a painting worth R30 000.
“I have noticed that white people recommend you to others. Once you sell something to a white person and they are happy with it, they are more than willing to share your details with their friends. That is how I was able to get connected to online galleries and online auctions.
“Through the connections I have made online, I have been able to get international clients and investors,” he adds.
His paintings are sold in countries such as the US, UK and UAE.
He left Johannesburg in 2014 to return to the Free State and even though his grandparents have since passed away, he still has a very deep connection with them.
#NationalShutdown I'm a Free State based full time artist (Vuyisile Adoons), here are some of my paintings available for sale.
— Vuyisile Adoons Art (@Vuyisile_Art) August 23, 2021
For purchases, commissions DM me or call me on 073 302 7890
Email: [email protected] pic.twitter.com/5NkaQxAwVk
“I love painting old people and children, they remind me of my childhood,” he explains.
“My general theme in my work is painting things that people can relate to. No matter where you are in life or how successful you are, there was a time you were a child and there was a mother or grandmother feeding you or doing your hair. So that is why I think my art resonates with people, they can see themselves in my work,” he says.
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He carries around a camera which he uses to capture moments that inspire him and the then paints them. He also does commissioned work. Social media has also helped him reach people far and wide.
“I know there are people who do not like social media, but I have found it to be very helpful in my work. I would also like to encourage other young people to use their talents and skills and build successful careers around that.
“Right now, I am able to build my family home using money I earn doing the thing I love the most, art.”
